An apple-munching minister of agriculture was present at the packing of the first South African apples meant for Thailand in sixteen years, after December's announcement of resumed access. Core Fruit was quick off the mark, loading out the first container Joya apples this week, expected to arrive in Thailand in four weeks.
Right: South Africa's minister of agriculture John Steenhuisen in Bella Frutta packhouse, Ceres
The ban on South African fruit, including table grapes, apples, pears, and stone fruit, had been due to "an administrative error", according to Hortgro, the deciduous fruit industry body, and in 2008, imports had brought in US$6.7 million.
Access for South African pears has for the moment not been re-instated.
The taste profile of apples preferred by Thai consumers matches that of other Southeast Asian countries where South African apples have enjoyed a big rise in popularity over recent years. Bicoloured apples with a high percentage of colour and high brix are favoured in this part of the world, remarks Thomas Mouton, head of pome fruit at Core Fruit.
Minister John Steenhuisen with Core Fruit's JJ van der Spuy and Thomas Mouton
During South Africa's absence, New Zealand apples filled the space, but South African exporters are ready to return to Thailand. Many buyers remember the quality of South African apples from years ago.
"South Africa has the cultivars and the colour qualities to compete with New Zealand," Mouton says, observing that the latter might not be equally enthusiastic about this news. However, there is a 10% import duty on South African apples while New Zealand's apples land duty-free.
Jacques du Preez (Hortgro), Thomas Mouton (Core Fruit), Jan-Hendrik Venter (DALLRD director: plant health) in conversation with Minister John Steenhuisen
Currently, 35% of South Africa's apple exports are directed to Asia and South East Asia.
Minister John Steenhuisen remarked that each new market added to the fruit industry's resilience. "There's a huge demand for high-quality agricultural goods, especially our fruits and citrus and wine across the world."
The fruit industry is an engine of employment in South Africa: Bella Frutta packhouse visited by the minister employs 650 people in peak season, Mouton points out, and they pack 24 hours of the day during the harvest.
Standing: JJ van der Spuy (Core), Thomas Mouton (Core), Mashudu Silimela (DALRRD), Jan-Hendrik Venter (DALRRD), Minister John Steenhuisen, Gcobani Tsako (DALRRD), Theo Pongolo (DALRRD), Bernard Henning (PPECB), Jacques du Preez (Hortgro) and Rosswell de Vries (PPECB).
Front: Fransu Viljoen (Bella Frutta), Mpho Sekgala (DALRRD), Liezl Wentzel (DALRRD), Elelwani Mugabi (DALRRD), Hendrik Claassen (Bella Frutta general manager), Reginald Witbooi (Bella Frutta)
For more information:
Thomas Mouton
Core Fruit
Tel: +27 21 863 6300
Email: thomas@corefruit.com
https://www.corefruit.com/